Myth #1: It’s better to leave the AC on at a low level all day than to shut it off and re-cool the house later.

Reality: If your AC is on, it’s using electricity. And if electricity is running, you’re paying for it. If your house is well-insulated, it should only fluctuate a couple of degrees during the day. If your home temperature changes dramatically while the AC is off, have your home inspected for insulation problems.

Myth #2: To cool off your home faster, turn the temperature a few degrees below the temperature you actually want.

Reality: Air conditioners just don’t work that way. Your AC unit takes hot air in your home and replaces it with cool air at a set rate, you can’t make it work any faster by lowering the temperature dramatically.

Myth #3: Keep doors open to promote cool air flow through the house.

Reality: Your AC puts cool air wherever it detects hot air. If you close the doors and vents to less-used rooms, your AC unit can more efficiently deliver cool air to the rooms you desire.

Myth #4: Bigger is better.

Reality: A unit that’s too big for a home or room will work harder and cost more money than a smaller model.

Myth #5: Air conditioners are energy guzzlers.

Reality: Cooling systems have gotten a bad rap over the years, but newer systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, saving you money each year.

Myth #6: Run a fan to “help” the AC unit.

Reality: Air conditioners are designed to create their own drafts, so running a fan throws the airflow out of whack. Fans are not designed to cool spaces – they’re designed to cool people. Turn the fan off, especially if no one’s in the room.

Myth #7: There’s no real need to change your filters regularly.

Reality: Dirty filters can cause up to a 10% increase in your cooling bill. Don’t discount this easy fix!

Myth #8: There’s no need to have your system checked unless there’s a specific problem.

Reality: Having your annual cooling maintenance inspection is imperative to a well-running, longer-lasting system.

Myth #9: Freon should be added to your cooling unit regularly.

Reality: Refrigerant does not need to be added unless there’s a leak. If you think your unit is leaking, call a pro.

Myth #10: The location of your thermostat isn’t important.

Reality: The environment in which your thermostat is located determines how the cooling system functions. It functions best when positioned near the areas you want to keep most comfortable, such as bedrooms.

Contact or call us at 703-690-0449 to discuss further HVAC myths. Industry experts are forecasting that energy prices are going to skyrocket in the months ahead. Electric power rates have already risen this year and are expected to continue to rise in the future. A precision tune-up and cleaning helps your Heating And Air Conditioning system run more efficiently and use less energy…saving you money. It’s the best thing you can do to guarantee a cool, worry-free, energy-efficient home through the last few weeks of Spring and Summer!